Archive for the Category » International Charter School «

International Charter School (ICS), which serves kindergarten through fifth grade, is an innovative school which appreciates “outside the box” thinking. An initiative aptly named “Try It Tuesday’s” began when Aramark and ICS collaborated to expand the flavor palates of the children who attend this charter school. Open to all suggestions, Aramark created a varied menu of distinctive, nutritious, and flavor-filled entrees to challenge and entice the appetites of children of all ages. Entrees like Korean Beef Fajitas, Chicken Jambalaya, and Mexican Lasagna send exotic culturally diverse aromas swarming throughout the school hallways. Each child receives a colorful “Try It” sticker, displaying their willingness to experience a culinary world with which they may not be accustomed to. “Try It Tuesday’s” has shown itself to be a successful program; with the creative assistance and experience of the Aramark culinary team, we look forward to continuing to provide unique menu selections for the children of ICS.

Throughout the months of February and March of 2013, Aramark Chef, Jeff Powell, conducted three chef demonstrations at International Charter School (ICS) in Pawtucket, RI. This is a unique opportunity in Aramark K-12 education to not only introduce the students to new and healthy menu items, but also to show students how the food is prepared as well as an educational segment explaining the ingredients and what health benefits are associated with each ingredient. The first chef demonstration featured “Teriyaki Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry.” At first the students did not want to try something new, but after Chef Jeff explained that tofu is commonly eaten by vegetarians for protein to build strong muscles the students were lining up at the table to try a sample. A few days after the demonstration, we spoke with a parent visiting during lunchtime, who explained that her son had come home from school the other day and told her that the tofu at school was the best he had ever tasted! The second chef demonstration featured “Twisted Chicken Quesadillas.” These “twisted” quesadillas featured a secret ingredient, sweet potato. Chef Jeff explained to students that sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants and help keep your body healthy. The third chef demonstration featured “Falafel with Hummus and Cucumber Ranch on Flatbread.” At the second and third chef demonstration the students recognized Chef Jeff, asked him educated questions and took notes, were eager to sample the other new menu items, and many students asked for seconds! Students stated that they would order the new menu items in the future. In the coming weeks and months students are encouraged to order these new menu items. The Aramark chef demonstrations at ICS have proven to successfully introduce the students to new foods, and exposure to the nutritional benefits of eating these foods so that they might go home and share their new knowledge with their family.